The pest plant privet – which has been linked to respiratory problems – is set to be more targeted by Environment Waikato after an updated regional pest management strategy (RPMS) was formally signed off by council today.

After nearly two years of information gathering, Environment Waikato has decided to prepare an amendment to the Regional Coastal Plan that would allow new types of marine farming, including fish farming, within current aquaculture management areas.

Environment Waikato is urging people to be considerate when lighting outdoor fires this summer as smoke can quickly become a major nuisance, especially when people are outdoors enjoying the good weather.

More than 40 people from Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Taupo and Thames-Coromandel took part in training sessions for landscapers, garden centre staff and council employees on November 27, ahead of the Smart Water Use campaign launch.